We NEED fair labour laws to save lives

On Tuesday, October 23, the Doug Ford government introduced Bill 47. This legislation seeks to impose a real dollar cut in the minimum wage and eliminate most of our new workplace rights, including paid sick days, equal pay for equal work, and more. If passed, this outrageous legislation will force millions into poverty, while putting workers' health and safety at risk.Click here to read our briefing note on the bill.

In Toronto, the Fight for $15 & Fairness along with the Ontario Federation of Labour, organized a well-attended media conference at Queen's Park the very same day the the regressive legislation was tabled. The following day, an emergency rally outside the Ministry of Labour drew 500 people who marched to the legislature, calling on the government to reverse course.

In all corners of the province there is an incredible determination to push back against Bill 47 and more actions are unfolding almost every day.

Sadly, on Friday, we learned the tragic news that a 4th temp agency worker was killed at a Fiera Foods related bakery in Toronto. This is the same food processing company where 3 temp agency workers previously lost their lives, prompting an undercover investigation by Toronto Star's Sara Mojtehedzadeh. We send our deepest condolences to the family, friends and co-workers of the deceased.

In light of the tragedy, we held an emergency vigil that same night (click here to see the live-stream). Another community vigil is taking place this Monday at 5:30 PM at Keele Street & York Boulevard (main entrance of York University), which is very close to the location of the plant where this worker was killed. Please let us know if you can make it (click here), and bring candles and flowers with you if possible.

We know this heartbreaking death is not an isolated event (click here to read our backgrounder on the Fiera Food deaths). It is what happens - and what will happen in the future - if workers are treated as disposable and if the laws meant to protect us are weakened, or not enforced at all. Premier Doug Ford must immediately withdraw Bill 47 and strengthen the enforcement of our existing labour laws. This means resuming the proactive inspections done by the Ministry of Labour (halted since September) and hiring the 100 new employment standards officers that were planned before the Ford government imposed a hiring freeze.

When the government says freeze the minimum wage for 33 months, it means a real dollar cut in earnings for the lowest-paid workers in the province. After that wage cut, the minimum wage would only be adjusted in accordance with the previous year's price increases (Consumer Price Index). It could be 2025 by the time the minimum wage reaches $15, and by then, a $15 wage will, once again, fall below the poverty line. This government wants to reimpose poverty on millions of workers in this province.

When the government says it wants to cut paid sick days, it is saying it has no problem forcing workers to work while they are sick or injured. It is saying they have no problem with parents having to send their sick child to school where they might spread illness to other children and education workers. It says this government has a complete disregard for the health and well-being of the people who keep this province functioning.

When the government says it wants to re-impose a requirement for Doctors' notes, it is saying it has no problem forcing sick workers into hospital waiting rooms and risk spreading disease to others. It has no problem clogging up our health care system for visits that the Ontario Medical Association has said are unnecessary, wasteful, and costly. It says this government has no problem imposing red tape on workers and health providers.

When this government reduces penalties for employers who openly disregard the law - as Bill 47 seeks to do - this government is telling Ontario's most unscrupulous employers that it is open season on the most vulnerable workers in this province. Especially those who work in temp agencies.

We need your help to deliver a message to Premier Doug Ford and his government: Fair labour laws, save lives. Bill 47 has not been passed, and it needs to be withdrawn immediately. Our elected officials must ensure our safety and well-being on the job, not jeopardize it.

Join us at an upcoming action to tell the government: #WithdrawBill147! More events are coming online every day. Visit the campaign website to see the most up-to-date listing.

MONDAY, October 29:

TORONTO, Community vigil5:30 PM - 7:00 PM. Intersection of Keele St & York Blvd (Main entrance of York University)Let's honour the 4th temp agency worker who was killed at a Fiera Foods related company last week. Please bring candles and flowers if possible. Click here to RSVP and here to share on Facebook

HAMILTON, Emergency meeting6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Workers Arts & Heritage Centre, 51 Stuart StJoin this emergency meeting to discuss how we can mobilize against the planned repeal of our decent work laws.Click here to RSVP and here to share on Facebook

TUESDAY, October 30:

BRANTFORD, Emergency action1:30 PM - 3:30 PM. Victoria Park, 65 Market StWe'll be meeting at 1:30 PM at Victoria Park by the middle statue before heading over to local MPP Will Bouma's office to do petitioning and postering outreach. Click here to RSVP and here to share on Facebook

NORTH BAY, Outreach outside North Bay Chamber5:00 PM - 5:30 PM. Outside North Bay Chamber of Commerce, 205 Main St EHelp us counter the misinformation campaign of the corporate mouthpiece, Chamber of Commerce. Come and join us talk to local residents.Click here to RSVP and here to share on Facebook

WEDNESDAY, October 31:

OTTAWA, Halloween action on Carleton Campus11:00 AM - 1:30 PM. Carleton University campus, outside OPIRG office (326 UC)Join us to petition across Carleton campus to get signatures on our petition in support of $15 minimum wage and fair labour laws for all. Dress in halloween costume if you can!Click here to RSVP and here to share on Facebook

TORONTO, Halloween action outside Ontario Chamber of Commerce12:30 PM - 1:30 PM. Outside Ontario Chamber of Commerce, 180 Dundas St WestCome trick-or-treating with us on Halloween at the Chamber of Commerce. Let's get the word out that the Chamber is spinning lies about the impact of decent work on the economy to justify their call for the full repeal of our newly won rights.Click here to RSVP and here to share on Facebook

FRIDAY, November 2:

OTTAWA, Campus action outside the office of Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities10:00 AM - 11:00 AM. Outside Minister Fullerton's office, 240 Michael Cowpland Dr, KanataJoin us outside Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities Merrilee Fullerton's office. We will be calling on Minister Fullerton to stand with students, staff and faculty and reject the repeal of decent work laws. Click here to RSVP and here to share on Facebook

TORONTO, Emergency Phonebanking2:00 PM - 7:00 PM. 720 Spadina Ave, Suite 223On Friday, help us call our supporters to get them to leave messages with their own Members of Provincial Parliament, to deliver the message: #WithdrawBill47 immediately! No previous experience is needed, we have scripts and snacks to help you get going.Click here to RSVP and share the event with your network